We all know Steve Martin as a comedian in his acting (Father of the Bride) and in his writing (Bowfinger). However, in Shopgirl, Martin's first novella, he steers clear of his traditional humor for a quieter, gentler approach to storytelling offering the reader a finely crafted, introspective work.

With well-done subtlety, Martin writes of Mirabelle, the young clerk in the glove department of Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills who suffers from depression none worsened by her customer-less job. Beautiful but innocent and vulnerable, she occasionally dates Jeremy, an amplifier seller, who appears to be just as lost in the world as Mirabelle.

Mirabelle's life is changed, however, when Mr. Ray Porter enters her world. Very wealthy and significantly older, he believes he is on a search to understand women when he begins to court Mirabelle. In actuality, Ray is truly searching for meaning in his own life.

Along with Ray and Jeremy, Lisa, a fellow Neiman's associate and bitter rival, Mirabelle's seemingly simple life is complicated by the hidden motivations of each of the characters.

While at times Martin's attempt to delve into each of the character's psyches seems too forced and over-written, overall his skillful descriptive style prevails, painting a poignant, smart story.

Often very humorous at times, although the story does have its share of dark moments, Shopgirl is an enjoyable easy read.

— Reviewed by Meghan Day